THE LOIRE ESTUARY

The 40 km long Loire Estuary is criss-crossed by horses, sprinkled with islands and edged by marshes, a haven for bird watchers, fishing enthusiasts and walkers.
Find out more on river cruises
 
Unique to the Loire: Take the ferry in Le Pellerin or Indret for a picturesque mini-cruise from one river bank to the other.

The canal de la Martinière [> dating from the end of the 19th century, the canal stretches over 15km and was built in order to compensate the shallowness of the river Loire between Le Pellerin and Nantes, where the sandbanks hindered the passage of boats. No sooner was it completed than it was abandoned and is today used for hydraulic regulation equipment and is a sightseeing spot where you can go for a walk, go fishing and take part in various sailing activities. L'île du Massereau hosts more than 80 types of bird.

Le lac de Grand Lieu [> is unique in Europe and its swelling in winter makes it on of the largest natural lakes in France. Its expanse and shallowness could be compared to some large African lakes. This natural reserve shelters no less than 250 types of bird, notably the largest colony of silver herons.

The Audubon marshland shelters numerous types of bird and palmiped. During the spring and summer you will see silver herons, moor hens, lapwings, teals, ducks, harriers, hawks and even some storks. A curiosity to see - the tour à plomb' erected in 1878.

The mouth of the river Erdre [> is on the Ile de Versailles in Nantes. It is lined with chateaux and follies fro the 19th centure and leads into the Nantes-Brest canal.

The Sèvre nantaise [> is the waterway through the vineyards. Wine used to be transported in barrels along the Sèvre to Nantes. Starting from the pont Rousseau in Rezé, the route travels along the river Sèvre passing through ports and docks. See the Chaussée des Moines in Vertou.

The marshes of Goulaine >] located in the grounds of the château de Goulaine, is a spawning ground for pike. From a rowing boat a watchful eye may observe various migrating birds: silver herons, ducks, coots ...